[01/03/07 - 02:45 PM]The Sun Sets on "The O.C." When the Series Finale Airs Thursday, February 22, on Fox"[The season four] finale will also be the series finale. This feels like the best time to bring the show to its close," said Josh Schwartz, creator and executive producer.

[via press release from FOX]

THE SUN SETS ON �THE O.C.�
WHEN THE SERIES FINALE AIRS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22, ON FOX

The sun will set for the last time on THE O.C. when the series ends its four-season run Thursday, Feb. 22 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. The countdown has begun, with all-original episodes airing from Thursday, Jan. 4 through the last episode on Feb. 22.

Set in Orange County, California, THE O.C. premiered in August 2003. It follows a group of friends and families whose lives were changed by the arrival of an outsider � Ryan Atwood � to their ocean-side community of Newport Beach.

THE O.C. revived the teen drama genre while including humorous and heartfelt adult storylines. Shortly after its summer premiere, THE O.C. was a pop culture phenomenon � its actors are household names and its indie music (and subsequent six soundtracks) and hip California wardrobe are sought-after in stores. The show�s Newport Beach locale also has become a popular tourist attraction as fans visit the real locations featured in their favorite episodes.

"THE O.C. Season Four finale will also be the series finale. This feels like the best time to bring the show to its close,� said Josh Schwartz, creator and executive producer of THE O.C. �Thanks to the hard work of our cast, crew and writers, we have enjoyed our best season yet, and what better time to go out than creatively on top. It has been an amazing experience and a great run. For a certain audience, at a certain time, THE O.C. has meant something. For that we are grateful."

From Wonderland Sound and Vision and College Hill Pictures and in association with Warner Bros. Television Production, THE O.C. is executive-produced by Josh Schwartz, Bob DeLaurentis, Stephanie Savage and McG. Ian Toynton and John Stevens are co-executive producers.